Tony Mastroianni Review Collection
Mackintosh isn't apple of his eye
Cleveland Press August 31, 1973
"The Mackintosh Man" is not a movie about a raincoat salesman. It might have been better if it were.
This is an espionage film directed by John Huston without a trace of either the artistry or - even more surprising -- the technical proficiency of this great director.
It is a rather routine, lackluster, predictable espionage yarn. It has a big name director and a big name cast but not much of a script.
Paul Newman is the hero of the tale. When first seen he is supposedly a thief about to do a job masterminded by Harry Andrews as one Mr. Mackintosh and Dominique Sanda as Mackintosh's nubile daughter.
Newman successfully pulls off the theft but an anonymous informant puts Scotland Yard on to him and next thing he knows he is in prison.
There is a double-agent in the same prison and Newman is involved in a jail break that will have him and the convicted spy making the break together. From there on the movie gets more predictable all the time as agent Newman tries to get a line on the mastermind behind his double-agent friend.
The story evolves into the one about the man who is wanted !by both the police and the villains but little is made of it.
There is no feeling of double jeopardy or hopelessness. Mostly it is a matter of Newman escaping and running from various places; getting beat up and beating up on others.
It is amazing how these fellows sustain several kicks to the groin and manage to pick up and move as fast as ever.
There isn't even much suspense in identifying the villain of the piece. Audiences will tumble to him quickly.
Newman doesn't have much to challenge him in his role but he's good at what little he has to do.
French actress Dominique Sanda is miscast in the role of the daughter of an Englishman. No explanation is ever given for the continental accent. Why not an English actress to begin with.
Excellent are the actors in smaller roles, notably Harry Andrews and James Mason. Photography, particularly of the Irish countryside, is excellent.
